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Tandoori prawns are a vibrant and mouthwatering dish that brings the rich, spicy flavors of Indian cuisine straight to your table. Perfect for a summer barbecue or an elegant appetizer, these prawns are marinated in a blend of yogurt and spices, then grilled to perfection. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and discover how you can make tandoori prawns that will impress your family and friends.
Why Tandoori?
Tandoori cooking, traditionally done in a tandoor, a cylindrical clay oven, imparts a unique smoky flavor and tender texture to the food. While a traditional tandoor might be hard to come by, you can easily recreate this experience using a grill or an oven, achieving the same delectable results.
Ingredients
To make these delectable tandoori prawns, you will need:
- 1 pound large prawns, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons tandoori masala (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, mix the yogurt, lemon juice, tandoori masala, garlic paste, ginger paste, cumin powder, coriander powder, paprika, turmeric powder, and salt. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Marinate the Prawns: Add the prawns to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours. This allows the prawns to absorb the flavors deeply.
- Preheat the Grill: If using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat. If you’re using an oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Cook the Prawns:
- Grilling: Thread the marinated prawns onto skewers. Grill them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
- Oven: Arrange the prawns on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, turning once halfway through, until they are cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, let the prawns rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Serving Suggestions
Tandoori prawns are versatile and can be paired with various accompaniments to create a delightful meal:
- Mint Chutney: This cool and refreshing dip perfectly balances the spiciness of the prawns.
- Naan Bread: Soft and fluffy naan is great for soaking up the flavorful juices.
- Cucumber Raita: A yogurt-based side dish that adds a refreshing contrast to the spicy prawns.
- Grilled Vegetables: Bell peppers, onions, and zucchini complement the prawns and add a healthy, colorful touch.
Tips for Perfect Tandoori Prawns
- Use Fresh Prawns: Fresh prawns will give you the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t Overcook: Prawns cook very quickly and can become tough if overcooked. Keep an eye on them and remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
Tandoori prawns are a fantastic way to enjoy the bold and aromatic flavors of Indian cuisine. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready to savor every bite of these succulent, flavorful prawns!